Exploration resumes for iron ore deposit after 6 decades in Rangpur
In a Nutshell:
- Exploration restarted at Velamari Pathar in Pirganj upazila, Rangpur.
- Geological Survey of Bangladesh began drilling at well GDH 79/25 to study the deposit.
- The project plans drilling up to 1,200 meters to assess mineral potential.
Why it Matters
The site was identified in 1965 but no major initiatives continued for decades, with later exploration efforts including drilling at EDS 15 before independence, GDH 54 in 2000, and GDH 78/23 in 2023. The current drilling programme will determine whether Bangladesh has enough metallic mineral reserves and economic value for possible commercial mining. Officials said recommendations for mining will be made if sufficient reserves and economic feasibility are confirmed.
Who it matters to
The government and Geological Survey of Bangladesh will use exploration results to decide whether commercial mining should be considered. Industries could gain access to new mineral resources if the site is confirmed to contain viable reserves of iron, copper, nickel, manganese, or potentially gold. Local communities in Pirganj could also be affected if extraction activities begin in the future.
